Q&A: The Method and Donkeys

Question: I’ve had great success using the Method to train my two Rocky Mountain Horses and have recently gotten two mini donkeys that are about to give birth. Can I use the groundwork exercises to train the foals? Have you ever worked with donkeys?

Clinton’s Answer: You can most certainly use the Method to train your donkeys. I have successfully worked with donkeys and mules before—I just prefer my Quarter Horses. When I had my breeding business, we always started working with the foals at the ranch as soon as they were born. First, we imprinted them and then we immediately started the groundwork exercises with them, teaching them to give and yield to pressure.

The sooner you can start working with a foal, the better. Remember, the foundation you teach your donkeys now will be in place for the rest of their lives. I would recommend studying the Foal Starting Series, which covers the exact steps you need to take with your donkeys to teach them basic skills such as how to give to pressure, be haltered and be led, as well as daily handling issues such as working with their feet and standing tied up.